Is my car battery dead?

Question

I just got a used car and drove it home. I've started it about 3 times over the week and never had a problem. It sat in my driveway for a few hours and then I went to start it and heard silence, but the headlights were blinking. ANy advice?

Answer 1

  Turn on the key and try all your accessoriess, like the windshield wipers, power windows, turn signals, headlights, etc.

   If they all work good at the same time your battery is doing good and we will need to turn our attention to the starter or possibly to the ignition switch it's self.

  If not, charge the battery or try jump staarting it.

Answer 2

its possible you have a bad battery its also possible you have a another problem  but for the battery, turn your lights on if there is any power at all left in the battery they will turn on but you will be able to tell if the battery is good the lights will be bright and kinda white in color if the battery is low your lights will appear yellowish even dim,another thing you can try is to blow the horn for a couple seconds  it sounds loud and clear (as a normal horn ) that's a good sign but if it sounds low like its muffled or underwater then almost certainly its the battery also check the battery terminal for corrosion and clean the posts and terminals then try the lights again  

i hope this helps  

Answer 3

HI

As stated before me it could be a lose cable or even a dirty cable connection. both well show up out of the blue.. That's where I'd start. pull the cables off and clean the post and the cable part that contacts the post. you can get a post cleaner at any parts store real cheap.

Good luck

Tim

Answer 4

feed it eggs...its hungry!!!

Answer 5

Could be a loose battery cable, or unwanted resistance. If you can get your hands on a multi-meter check the voltage at the battery it needs to be atleast 12.5 volts  

Answer 6

it either has a dead cell or the alternator isn,t charging the battery

Answer 7

Not dead but comatose...

It has anough juice for the lights, but not enough for the starter motor. Typical.

Answer 8

If the headlights are dimming when you are trying to start , then I'd say your battery is done. If there is an autoparts store near you they may be able to test it for you. Call ahead, some places charge for this service, while others do it free, provided you buy a new battery from them if it turns out it is indeed dead. If it is dead, and you put a new one in and it dies shortly afterward, you may well have an electrical problem that needs attention. Good luck.